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“Ok that’s enough everyone ! break time !” shouted Lily, signaling the others to stop what they're doing. In about 3 days the band has a concert planned out, and they haven't practiced at all due to clashing schedules. Trying to make use of the free days all had in common, they decided to do as many rehearsals as they could.
Mary puts her guitar in its case and immediately walks over to sit by the couch provided by the studio, wasting no time on their supposed break. Everyone else soon followed, knowing full well that they had limited break time for the day. Ithaqua and Lily started to chat, probably talking about college, knowing that the two are the freshmen of the group. Luca is focused on his phone, searching for more equipment he could use to customize his guitar, all while Aesop is cleaning his keytar across the room.
This leaves Andrew and Fool's Gold still on set, standingーin Fool's Gold's case sittingーwith their instruments.
Not knowing where to go or what to do, the bassist took a small peak to his right, eyeing the drummer.
Despite being there since the formation of the band, Andrew wasn't close with most of his band mates, with the exception of Luca and Lily as the two and him were the founders of the band. Other than them, he couldn't really strike up a conversation with the rest. Maybe with Mary since she'd usually carry out the conversation. And while he rarely talks with Ithaqua and Aesop, they’re also not that hard to strike up a conversation with, just rarely does so.
However, the person he's looking at right now, is someone he couldn’t, for some reason, talk to without a third party involved. The drummer, Fool's Goldーalso known as Nortonー, was hard to approach.
He couldn't put into words how and why, but there's something about that man. He doesn’t seem like a party animal, nor is he the type to be extroverted and open to every person he sees, yet he’s also extremely popular with the fans. Not that it bothered Andrew, it’s good that he doesn’t have a lot of eyes on him. But it also bothered him a bit. It couldn’t have been jealousy, of all people, why would he be jealous of Norton ?
He kept on looking at his direction, from the tip of his black hair, to his heterochromatic eyes, the usual yellow shirt he’d wear during rehearsals and concerts, and to his black shoes. He also couldn’t help but notice the burnt scar on his face, something that stood out of him the most, and yet it’s something Andrew knew he shouldn’t ever mention (as if he could). Each and every part of him seems to have mesmerized Andrew, the very thing that he won’t admit. He wanted to look away, but something in him couldn’t keep his eyes off of the taller man.
As if on cue, Norton looked back at him. The bassist swore he heard a low, barely audible chuckle coming from the taller man.
“What’s the matter, Kreiss ?” He puts his entire focus on the bassist. He snapped at what he was doing, but continued staring at him, avoiding eye contact at all cost. This caused Norton to slowly approach him, getting as close as possible, trying to regain eye contact with the shorter man.
“Perhaps…You like what you’re seeing ?” Norton slowly bent down, getting his head to be on the same level as Andrew.
Those words threw Andrew off guard, immediately making him look in the opposite direction as if he hadn’t just stared at a guy for a solid 5 minutes.
“N-no. Not at all and never will” blurted him in obvious panic. It may have been Andrew’s imagination, but he could’ve sworn that he gave him a barely noticeable smile, or was that a smirk ? He didn’t know nor did he care. He should have not cared, but his body felt…weird.
His heart began to thump, and he could feel himself sweat more. What is with this man that made him so nervous all of a sudden ? All because of one eye contact and a tease.
“Aww why’s that ? Don’t be so shy and nervous Andy.”
“C-cut the crap, Fool’s Gold. What, you want me to say yes ? And make fun of me later on for that ? Tell your…friends outside of the band how foolish your bandmate is ??” he blurted those words out, not thinking of what consequences that may follow.
For the first time in his life, Andrew saw the drummer pull out another expression other than his cunning smile or his flat face, a face of shock. It was probably his eyes playing tricks on him, but he too could see a hint of sadness on those eyes. Oh. He screwed up didn’t he ?
He could feel some eyes staring at him after saying such remarks. ‘Shit I must’ve said that a little too loud’, he thought. Trying not to think about the situation, and to not cause a scene in front of his already tired bandmates, Andrew decided to walk out to the restroom.
Although it’s located away from the studio room they rented, it was also the most quiet room there is in that building. Not to mention rarely anyone goes in there, unless they’re pissing or throwing up. Due to this Andrew grew a liking to that place despite its slightly horrid condition. He never minded the slightly rundown look, as long as he could hide there alone.
He stepped in and immediately shut the door, not caring who or what was behind him, if there were any. He walked to the furthest end of the restroom and sat there, trying to think straight.
What has gotten into him all of a sudden ? He can’t take his eyes off of Norton, but he also doesn’t want to admit anything to the man. It all felt stupid and unreasonable, but it made sense too…sort of. He began to question since when did these thoughts begin to pop up in him. Thoughts about how attractive Norton looked, about how much he wanted to stop playing his bass in the middle of a live to just walk up to him. Thinking about it again made his heart skip a beat.
…Could he have liked Norton all this time ?
No. That can’t be it. How could he like Norton ? How could someone as pathetic, boring, and disgusting as him, like THE Norton “Fool’s Gold” Campbell, drummer of the hit band both he and Andrew were a part of. He wished that wasn’t the case. He greatly hoped it wasn’t. Sure the idea of having someone to romance with isn’t bad, but when it’s with your own bandmade ? The one who rarely talks to you ? Andrew wouldn’t want to take extra chances just to be laughed at at the end of the day.
He continued to sulk and grumble at the situation he had put himself in, focusing his sight on his feet, crumpled into a ball with his head on his knees. Too focused on convincing himself that he might’ve had a thing for his bandmate, Andrew didn’t notice the creaking sound of the toilet door opening, nor the squeaking floors as footsteps slowly approached his way.
Andrew thought about the many things that could happen if he were to be honest. He’d get laughed at, sure, it happens a lot. But what if it made Norton hate him ? Thinking he’s disgusting for even wanting him that way. Would he leave the band ? He would. Worst case, but a realistic scenario in Andrew’s mind. His bandmates would hate him too after that, and who knows their entire band might disband solely because of his stupid mistakes.
Before he could sulk further, he felt a presence in front of him. He could feel that whoever is in front of him is probably crouching down, puffs of breath near his head and knees. Andrew froze on the spot. Shit. He’s practically screwed at this point. With the current position he’s in, he couldn’t do much to move away or run. He could look up, and see who the person in front of him is. But he’s too scared to even check. Just when he’s about to say something, the mysterious person spoke first, breaking the silence.
“There you are Andy”
Andrew could feel shivers run up his spines. He took a peek up and expected the oh so familiar face of the person he tried to run away from. And if it isn’t the Fool’s Gold right in front of him. ‘How great’ he thought.
“I had wondered where you ran off too, but thanks to your friends now I know your secret hiding spot” He added, slowly placing his hand on top of Andrew’s. The bassist wanted to run away from the situation. But he can’t, this guy practically got him cornered up in a rundown toilet. As dramatic as it sounds, his life is now in the drummer’s hands, only he knew what could happen to him.
“W-what do you want ?” Andrew tried to be a little brave and asked, “If it’s about that comment…T-then I’m sorry. Just leave me be…please”
Norton only sighed at what the younger one said, he changed positions from squatting to full on sitting on the floor, to be on the same level as Andrew. With his hand he slowly rubbed Andrew’s thumb, possibly trying to calm him down.
“I mean, I was the one who pushed you to say those things. So it’s ok man, really” He stayed silent, not commenting on that. “And heh, you are cute for that. So I don’t mind it at all.” Ok that caught Andrew by surprise. He immediately moved his head to look up, staring at Norton face-to-face, eye-to-eye.
“So you
were
making fun of me, for my reaction and everything else.”
“Oh no you’ve mistaken, I find you to be cute in general.”
“Oh…”
Well that came out of nowhere. He felt a slight thump in his heart again. The feeling he just went through earlier came back, this time worse since the very reason he was acting this way is right in front of him. Andrew’s face began to heat up, showing a stark contrast between his pale skin and the dust of red that began to appear on his cheeks. He immediately placed his hands on his face, hoping that Norton did not pay attention to him.
Norton grabbed one of his arms and slowly pulled it away.
“Heh don’t hide it. I like your face, our no. 1 bassist”
Andrew felt like he’s about to explode any second. He can’t handle any of this. None of this is real, it’s probably just a dream. Norton in front of him, calling him cute, and now praising him ? He’s so sure that tomorrow he might actually die.
Trying to control his cool, the bassist looked the drummer in the eyes. “D-do you really mean it ?” he paused for a bit, “That you…like my face ?”
Norton chuckled, low and raspy voice could be heard echoing in the toilet. “Of course I do.” With this, Andrew put down his other hand and revealed his face to Norton, well almost all of his face, as his hair covered one of his eyes. He decided to look at Norton’s face, it’s still the same old face everyone liked, but he could sort of see a bit of red under his eye. He really wasn’t lying, about everything he just said.
They looked at each other for what felt like a hot minute, not doing anything, just living in the moment. But slowly, Norton began inching his face closer to Andrew. It wasn’t noticeable at first, up until Andrew could feel a puff of breath near his face. He closed his eyes, waiting for what he thought would happen to finally take place. And as if knowing what’s on his mind, Norton held his hand, squeezing it.
Norton made the first move, immediately crashing his lips with Andrew’s. He could feel how chapped his lips are, making a mental note to probably introduce him to lip balms after this. Gradually they deepen the kiss, with Andrew gripping Norton’s arms, trying to find support as if leaning on the wall wasn’t enough. The room surrounding them became hotter and hotter as the two continued to press on further. Norton pushed Andrew against the wall harder, locking him in, not letting him escape.
The drummer began to probe his tongue into his mouth, exploring the unknown territories he had just discovered. Not having much choice, Andrew let Norton do whatever he wanted. Andrew accidentally let out a small, barely audible moan in the heat of the moment. This shocked him deeply, immediately pulling off before hiding his face once more. Shit…Norton probably thinks he’s a freak now after that.
The taller guy cupped his cheeks, guiding his head to look at him in the eyes once more. “Was that too much ? Are you done with the fun ?”
“N-no. It’s just…That was embarrassing”
“What was embarrassing ?”
“M-my voice”
Norton looked at him funny, then pecked him on the lips. “But that is also a part of you that’s cute Andy.”
They might have made out on the floor, but if Andrew managed to look at a mirror, he knew that his face is probably extremely red. He tries to hide his face once more but finds it useless. He can’t do or go anywhere now that Norton had him locked on the floor.
“R-really ?” He asked for confirmation, as if he could trust words coming out of Norton’s mouth.
What he got as a reply was neither a yes nor a no, but The drummer pulled him again into a deep kiss. He did not hold back, hands exploring the bassist’s body as his tongue does so to his mouth. His head started to become dizzy, both from the euphoria he’s feeling as well as the heat surrounding the two. But it didn’t matter to him, what’s important now is how good it all felt.
***
“Huh ? break time’s almost over already ? But I still want to look for gear for my guitar !” Luca complained, getting up from his usual spot after seeing the big clock on top of his head. His bandmates had already stood in their respectful positions, waiting for the lead guitarist and singer to finally put his little project down.
“Well we need to get back on if we don’t wanna mess up at the concert !” shouted Lily, grabbing her megaphone. In doing so, she began to observe the composition of her little band, making sure no one or nothing was off. That’s when she began to realize something…kind of odd in today’s practice.
“Hey uh…Did any of you know where Andrew and Foolsies went to ?”
“Oh no dear, after that intense fight they disappeared.”
“Weird…wonder what are they doing right now”